Breathing = Yoga! by Amy Sax Luke

Yoga is union with the higher self. And to practice yoga or contact with the higher self, one only needs to be able to breath. If we are alive then we breath, right? So yoga can be a very simple practice.

As I teach yoga, I discuss the importance of deepening the breath. In deepening the inhale and the exhale, we slow down the mind, which in turn will relax the body, allowing more conscious contact with the spirit, soul or higher self. Through the breath we are able to create a circular ritual which allows us to consciously involve our soul with our body and our mind through the practice of yoga.

Now, read this paragraph and then practice this simple breathing ritual wherever you happen to be right now—seated or reclining with eyes soft or shut:

Inhale 4 counts, hold the lungs full until you can’t hold them full anymore, exhale 5 counts, hold the lungs empty until you can’t hold them empty anymore. Finally, repeat this whole process twice more. Then sit still for one minute and notice whether there is a part of your body or mind trying to get your attention. If so, focus on that spot, give it your full attention, no matter how uncomfortable. Then imagine releasing that spot like a feather in the wind. Finally, continue to sit and breath for one minute more.

What happened with that spot when you gave it your undivided attention? Did it soften or change in any way? Did you release it completely? Did another part of your body/mind start to want your attention? If so, did you follow that and allow that part to soften as well? Often once attention is given, the spot begins to dissipate. Imagine a baby crying in its’ crib--- when the mother brings her complete attention to her crying baby, the cries end or at least, in most cases, lessen.

As we bring our mind and spirit in contact with our body, we complete a circle that allows us to connect all three and deepen our understanding of ourselves by simply breathing and staying present or witnessing the things that come up for us. This is yoga and congratulations, you’ve just practiced it.

The more we practice this circular breathing ritual or yoga, the more effortless it becomes to make a connection of body, mind and spirit. I encourage you to try this at least once a day for one week. At the end of that week, take note as to whether you feel lighter, happier, more loving, more loved and just a tiny bit more free…I can almost guarantee it.